Oceanographer Harald Gjøsæter be noted probably a world record in the northern cod distribution.
- We also see that it has enough food, he said. (Photo: Gunnar Sætra, IMR)

Cod reach new heights in their extension northward

Northeast Arctic cod have reached a new benchmark extending their distribution northward.
- We observed that cod have extended their distribution farther north and eastward. They also seem that to have an adequate food supply, says oceanographer Harald Gjøsæter.

Published: 30.09.2012
- Updated: 11.10.2012

Gjøsæter has been cruise leader on the final leg of the Barents Sea ecosystem survey conducted annually by Norway’s Institute of Marine Research. The survey was completed in Kirkenes just this weekend, but already scientists have conclude that last year's record for the northernmost distribution of cod has been broken.

This year cod were documented to occur as far as 82 degrees and 30 minutes north (82o 30’ N). This observation was made by scientists aboard the Russian research vessel "Vilnyus".

- These northernmost observations involve only a limited number of fish, but we also observe an overall tendency of Northeast Arctic cod extending farther northward and eastward. This is likely due to two factors: 1) the preferred water temperature for cod is also extending northward; and 2) there they find an adequate food supply, says Gjøsæter.

Cod has a new "world record" in the northern parts. The northernmost observation was done at 82 degrees and 30 minutes north. (Ill: IMR)

Overlaps with capelin

Oceanographers use both trawl and acoustic instruments to survey fish stocks in the Barents Sea, and studies show that cod stocks and capelin overlap in distribution.
- Capelin stock is also strong, so it appears that cod has enough food. In addition, eat cod both krill, polar cod and a good deal of benthos. Thus, it appears that cod stocks will remain at a high level in the coming years, says Gjøsæter.

Capelin has about the same extent as cod and Gjøsæter says it helps that cod has enough food. (Ill: IMR)

Bodes well

In recent years, both fishermen and marine scientists asked whether there is enough food in the ocean to feed on the large cod stocks. Last winter there were also some fishermen who believed that vertical quota was set too high for 2012.
- I think we were careful when we recommended quota for this year, and all indications are that capelin have fared well. Our studies show that spawning has gone very well, and that the amount of this year’s fry (0-group) is at record levels. It bodes well for the further development of the most important fish species in the Barents Sea, end Gjøsæter.

Barents Sea Facts

Russian name: Barentsevo MoreSize: 1.4 million km2 in surface area (approximately four times as large as Norway).Depth: Average depth = 230 m, Maximum depth = 500 mFisheries: Bottom fish such as cod, haddock, Greenland halibut, long rough dab, and redfish. Other commercially important species include: capelin; northern shrimp; minke whales, and harp sealsSpecial features:

Large annual variations in temperature relative to ice coverage

A shallow sea which makes up a portion of the continental shelf around the Arctic Ocean

Has one of the largest concentrations of sea birds in the world: approximately 20 million individuals distributed across 40 different species

Management of living marine resources in the Barents Sea is carried out through collaboration between Norway and Russia.